Some of the biggest names in Formula 1 today have begun their careers as reserve drivers. Take Sebastian Vettel, for instance: the four time F1 world champion started as a test driver for BMW Sauber before joining Toro Rosso and then Red Bull Racing, with whom he won his titles.
It’s a very efficient way for the driver to grow his talents, while the team gets the chance to monitor his development and, maybe, groom him for a racing seat in the future.
Current FIA F2 Series leader George Russell also moonlights as a Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 reserve driver. Recently, he took a camera crew behind the scenes with him in order to give fans a look at what he does for a living.
Russell took to the track at the Hungaroring as well as Silverstone and also recorded how many people are involved with these types of test runs. Even though he didn’t take part in any race weekend, there were still loads of Mercedes people working on improving the car.
It’s also interesting to watch how F1 drivers cool off when temperatures are really high; they can use ice vests, cold towels – they even have ways to keep their helmets cool before putting them on.
Then there’s the diet, which can contain both carbs as well as vegetables, not to mention something like a watermelon to get you re-hydrated. As most F1 fans know, drivers have to be in really good physical condition as their bodies take quite the pounding over the course of a Grand Prix.
So, what’s it like to be a reserve driver for one of the two leading teams in the paddock right now? Just scroll, hit play and find out.